Since 2004 a group of artists and their friends have put on an annual fundraiser known as Arts for the Turtles. Proceeds from the event support the work of the Nuevo Vallarta Turtle Preserve, which is dedicated to saving the sea turtles of Banderas Bay. Hosted by Bahia del Sol and Ocean Terrace, the Preserve is the largest in the state of Nayarit.

In past years, money raised has provided salaries for the Preserve’s resident marine biologists and student interns, construction of incubation corrals and information centers, and the development and dissemination of educational materials throughout Nayarit.

In 2009, Arts for the Turtles sponsored a University of California research project on the impact of tourism on the nesting habitat of the sea turtles that nest on Nuevo Vallarta’s beaches. A special booth will feature this research along with information on the Olive Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles on the shores of Banderas Bay.

This year's Arts for the Turtles will be offering original paintings, cards, jewelry, textile arts, metal art and T-shirts featuring the Turtle Preserve. An early sell-out is the table selling home made goodies from Bahia del Sol's gourmet bakers.

The day will also include a flea market and silent auction. A raffle of quilt by Karen is always a part of the event and this year an additional feature is a live auction of donations from turtle lovers from Banderas Bay communities.

In addition to artists who contribute their time and artwork the event will be supported by the "Turtleheads," volunteers who give turtle talks and disseminate information to visitors prior to the sea turtle hatchling releases that take place around 6:00 in the evening at the Preserve, which is located on the beach in front of Ocean Terrace condominiums next to Bahia del Sol. This is 1/2 mile north of Paradise Village Resort, at Paseo Cocoteros and Retorno Cozumel, in Nuevo Vallarta.

For more information, contact Karen Guthrie at aaburrow(at)aol.com, or 322-291-1545.